August Sun: Don't Let Your Guard Down Before Fall
Late summer UV is still serious.
The UV Index across much of the US remains in the high to very-high range (roughly 7 or above) at midday through August, so sun-protection needs do not fall off until well into autumn.
Dermatologists caution that August UV is still intense and declines only gradually into fall, so the post-vacation habit of skipping sunscreen leaves skin exposed during weeks that remain high-risk.
Questions we get a lot
Does the UV index drop off suddenly in September?
No. UV intensity declines gradually as the sun's angle lowers through the fall, not in a sudden September drop. Through August the midday UV Index across much of the US stays high, so keep applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily and don't ease off just because summer feels over.
Why do I still get burned in late August?
Because UV is still strong: midday readings remain high through August, and clouds let through most UV. Combined with end-of-summer complacency and under-application, that's an easy recipe for a late-season burn. Reapply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every two hours outdoors.
When is the UV index high enough to need protection?
Dermatologists generally recommend sun protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or higher. Across much of the US that threshold is reached at midday well into the fall, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen remains a sensible default even after the peak of summer.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Is it safe to ease off sunscreen once August is over?'